We eventually moved onto Kosi Bay.  The Kosi lake system comprises a series of lakes ranging in salinity from that of sea water at the mouth to fresh water in the south. Over 40 species of fish can be found in the lakes as well as hippo and crocodiles.  There is also a large variety of bird species in the tropical vegetation and along the shoreline.

The following day we moved over the border to Ponto do Ouro in Southern Mozambique where we met up with the daughter of our friends, Barry and Lee.  Their daughter, Philippa is enjoying seven months on the Warriors course; "a programme for young adults which gives them the opportunity to identify and explore their own magnificence". 

We got to dive with Philippa and the Warriors group while Barry and Lee joined us for a long weekend of prawns, laughter and friendship. 
-

Ponto do Ouro is an interesting place; the lack of development and infrastructure is bewildering considering it's natural beauty, warm seas, great beaches, superb diving spots and close proximity to South Africa.  The town is a mix of brightly painted and well-maintained homes which neighbour dilapidated and deserted houses.

There are spots of "civilisation" such as Scandals which doubles as a bakery and a coffee shop; they make a great spicy chicken pie! 
- 

Once Barry and Lee had left we moved up along the coast to Campismo Ninho; a campsite which sits on the primary dune and looks out over the sea.  It really is a piece of paradise where our friends Kath and Allan joined us.  They brought Grant & Lee and Clive & Judy along with them, so we had a jolly group around the campfire each night.  

We explored a little and, of course, got to eat prawns again!

-
While sitting in camp we watched dolphins frolic in the waves and saw huge whales slowly make their way along the coast.  On the one occasion the whales were launching themselves out of the water and landing in the water on their backs with a huge splash and crash.

We told all our friends about our rule: "no going to bed before 8.00pm".  Everyone laughed at such a ludicrous idea..... until 7.00pm came around and they all wanted to go off to bed!  Everyone stuck to the rule though (the fire was deserted by 8.10pm however!)  All this fresh air, early mornings and adventuring has us "plum tuckered out".

It was also Full Moon while we were at Campismo Ninho and we were treated to sights that one is used to only seeing in coffee-table books.  The sunrises were equally magnificent; it made getting up early in the morning a pleasure!
-

-
And so, here we are back in Sodwana Bay having waved goodbye to Thomas and his friends, Barry, Lee, Philippa, Rudi and the Warriors, Kath, Allan, Grant, Lee, Clive and Judy.  We met up next with Iain and Lea for a few days before heading north - after all, that's the general direction of Cairo!

IMPORTANT NOTE:
No-one looks good while 18m underwater or just out the ocean
with salt clinging to your skin and hair!
(I just hope my hairdresser doesn't see this update)

Highlights:  
Best meal: The mountain of prawns which we cooked with Barry and Lee and the other mountain of "Mochican Prawns" we had with Allan and Kath and friends..
Best moment: There are so many - again!  The company of good friends, the spectacular sunrises and the magnificent moonlit nights all fit!
Worst moment: When Alan developed a severe outer ear infection that left him in pain and discomfort (but he's all better now!) 

Interesting people we've met:  
Gee... a whole bunch!  
- Starting with Thomas from Holland and his friends who were on a four week tour. 
- Then we met up with the Philippa and the Warriors with their instructor Rudi.  
- Phillipa's folks, Barry and Lee joined us in Ponto do Ouro and after they left, 
- Kath and Allan joined us with four of their friends; Grant & Lee and Clive and Judy.  
- Then we travelled back to Sodwana to meet up with Iain and Lea.

Links to other sites:  
To know more about the Warrior programme visit www.warriors.co.za
-